Humanist Values : A Source Book

Contents: 1. What is humanism? 2. Humanist concept of value. 3. Joy of life. 4. Purity of means: a rational justification. 5. Knowledge. 6. Kindliness. 7. Scientific outlook. 8. Freedom. 9. Equality. 10. Social justice. 11. Creativity. 12. Secularism. 13. Cooperation. 14. Socialism (equitable distribution of wealth). 15. Democracy (the plan of maximum decentralisation of power). 16. Dignity of the individual. 17. Love of nature. 18. Spiritual liberation. 19. Social development/progress. 20. Justice and punishment. 21. Women\'s liberation (gender equality). 22. Sarvodaya (The Gandhian concept of non-violent social revolution). 23. Truth. 24. Friendship. 25. Philosophy of environment/ecology. 26. Sovereignty (its changing dimension). 27. Values and education. Index.

"This is the enlarged and enriched second edition of Humanist Values: A Source Book. Although there is so much talk of inculcating humanist values in the people, and although it is urgently necessary, this one continues to be the only satisfying book in the field.

This book is of immense help to every well-meaning person but especially so to the social reformers, politicians, teachers, parents and the general students. By coincidence, it was found that the book is also useful to the candidates of various competitive examinations. By adding six relevant topics to the original edition of the book, their need is now almost completely satisfied. Two more values: truth; and friendship, have also been added. Subject-matter of some earlier chapters has also been improved.

Humanist values are those objectives that intend to satisfy the needs and ambitions arising out of human nature and are necessary for creating a happy, harmonious, progressing and an enlightened society. The whole book is written in an extremely lucid and clear style." (jacket)